Thread: MT: In Deer Lodge: Five illegal workers arrested

In Deer Lodge: Five illegal workers arrested
By Pat Hansen for The Montana Standard - 05/01/2007
DEER LODGE — Law enforcement officers arrested five illegal aliens in Deer Lodge early Monday.

Sheriff Scott Howard said 20 men from Mexico were staying at a Deer Lodge motel while working for a subcontractor doing masonry work at the Rock Creek subdivision. One man tried to flee but was apprehended without incident, Howard said.

All but five had proper documentation and work permits. The five were taken to Helena for deportation processing.

Jake Stavlo, senior special agent for Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Helena, said the men were working for a masonry company from Belgrade. One of the men was arrested last year while working for the same company at Big Sky, Stavlo said.

Stavlo said the investigation continues as to what the employer knew and hiring procedures.

About this time last year Powell County officers arrested 18 illegal aliens from Mexico working for Foremost Construction, on the Rock Creek golf course. Officers seized three pickups and prosecuted one legal resident of Mexico for transporting and harboring illegals.

Foremost Construction worked with law enforcement officials; Sheriff Howard said the crew working for them this year is properly documented.

“We’re more than happy to work with a contractor to get work visas if employees’ paper work isn’t correct,” Howard said. “If someone is working and has proper documentation, they are welcome here.” He encouraged citizens who observe suspicious behavior to call authorities, “and we’ll check it out.” About 200 illegal workers are arrested each year while employed by contractors in the Belgrade, Bozeman and Big Sky area, Stavlo said.

“It’s getting to be pretty typical,” he said.

http://www.montanastandard.com/articles ... jigcfi.txt

“We’re more than happy to work with a contractor to get work visas if employees’ paper work isn’t correct,” Howard said.

What exactly does that mean?